Parcel Post Profit 



FROM 



Farm Produce 



Useful Information 

For the 

Farmer, Dairyman and Poultry Raiser 

in Marketing Hit 

Farm Products by Parcel Post 

CONTENTS 



How to Secure Customers 
Letters— Suggested Forms 
About Boxes or Containers 
How to Pack Safely 
How to Insure Packages 
What May Be Sent 
How to Collect Accounts 
Permissible Enclosures 
Rates of Postage 
Complete Shipping Instructions 
U. S. Parcel Post Regulations 
List of Makers of Containers 
Points of Interest to Farmers 



PRICE FIFTY CENTS-Postpaid 



Parcel Post Profit 



FROM- 



Farm Produce 



Useful Information 

For the 

Farmer, Dairyman and Poultry Raiser 

in Marketing His 

Farm Products by Parcel Post 

CONTENTS 

How to Secure Customers 
Letters— Suggested Forms 
About Boxes or Containers 
How to Pack Safely 
How to Insure Packages 
What May Be Sent 
How to Collect Accounts 
Permissible Enclosures 
Rates of Postage 
Complete Shipping Instructions 
U. S. Parcel Post Regulations 
List of Makers of Containers 
Points of Interest to Farmers 

PRICE FIFTY CENTS-Postpaid 



FOREWORD 






This Booklet is intended to convey information essential to pros- 
pective shippers of farm products by means of the parcel post, and 
should be very carefully read before shipments are undertaken. 

The producers of farm products now have unlimited possibilities 
for the expansion of their business. At the post offiices where this 
plan has been encouraged and promoted, it is a pronounced success, 
and every inducement is offered to the farmer and fruit grower, the 
dairyman and poultry raiser, to interest him in the parcel post as 
a means to marketing his products. Charges have been materially re- 
duced, and the weight limit considerably increased upon matter in- 
tended for delivery within the first two zones, a radius of 150 miles. 

It has been found that the greatest obstacle in extending the 
producer-to-consumer plan is the misunderstanding on the part of 
the country people about the price city folks can or will pay. 

The chief object of the plan is to reduce the high cost of living to 
which people in large centers of population are subjected; and the 
only incentive to cause the consumer to divert his trade from the 
local dealer to the country producer is the fact that he can thereby 
secure the article fresher and cheaper. Fundamentally, these are the, 
only reasons to induce the consumer to undertake the trouble and 
uncertainty of securing farm produce by parcel post. Of course the 
producer is entitled to receive fair profits above those yielded by 
prices previously received, but he must divide the advantages of the 
parcel post with his customers. 

Producers are cautioned to pay particular attention to packing, 
and carefully read the regulations governing the manner in which 
articles should be put up for shipment, as set forth elsewhere in this 
booklet. 

All inquiries and correspondence should be promptly answered 
and all orders filled without unnecessary delay. If unable to fill or- 
ders on account of supply being exhausted, correspondents should 
be promptly notified to that effect, and advised how soon the order 
can be filled. 

Farmers and producers who desire to ship in considerable quanti- 
ties can, by proper organization, join in ordering large quantities 
of supplies, such as mailing cases, wrapping paper and twine, and in 
that manner secure to themselves the lowest prices, and reduce pro- 
portionately the cost of doing business. 

Producers will find it to their advantage to impress upon their 
customers the fact that the larger the quantity sent in one parcel 
(not to exceed 50 pounds limit within first and second zones), the 
cheaper will be the postage rate. 

©CI.A411005 



AUG -9 191! 



PARCEL POST PROFITS FROM FARM PRODUCE 



HOW TO SECURE CUSTOMERS 

It is quite possible you are now selling some of your 
produce to people living in a nearby city, to whom you 
deliver the articles when you go to town. These persons 
can do much for you by speaking kindly of you to their 
neighbors and friends, and no doubt will permit the use 
of their names by you as reference. 

There are still other ways to secure patrons, and espe- 
cially for those who wish to do something worth while, 
and are looking toward establishing a permanent busi- 
ness. You do not need to cover much territory in order 
to market your produce. One or two cities within a 
radius of 25 to 50 miles of your home, or much nearer, 
say, 10 to 20 miles, will provide the market. To such we 
suggest three ways, namely: 

NEWSPAPER ADVERTISING— TELEPHONE — 
LETTERS AND POST-CARDS 



NEWSPAPER ADVERTISING 

Good results may be secured by inserting a small ad- 
vertisement in a daily paper published in the locality 
where you purpose soliciting your trade. Here is a short 
one as a suggestion : 

FARM TO TABLE 
Dear Sir: 

I am prepared to make prompt shipments of but- 
ter, eggs, fowls, (or other articles) by Parcel Post. 
Everything fresh and clean. I guarantee prompt 
delivery and entire satisfaction. My prices are 
right. Write or call me by phone. 

Name 

Address 

Telephone 

This card will cost but little, and should run contin- 
uously for several issues ; good results are seldom se- 
cured by placing an advertisement once in a while. 

When replies come in, bear in mind that one of the Business 
first elements of success in any business is promptness. po " 
Answer your letters the day received if possible. Meet 
your prospective customers more than half way, remem- 
bering you are strangers to each other. Get them to buy- 
ing of you, then keep them by square dealing. 

— 3 — 



Letter paper. 



Form for let- 



in your correspondence it is desirable to use a printed 

letterhead with your name, postoffice address, and your 

business. Also an envelope with a return card in the 

left-hand upper corner. Something like the following 

"ter head."" will do for the letterhead : 

JOHN A. BARTHOLOMEW 

Farm Produce by Parcel Post 

Satisfaction Guaranteed 

• Elgin, 111 19.. 

Ketuvn address r ,, , ,, 1 j- '±x. 

on envelope. ror the envelope corner, use the same heading with 

the words, "Return in 5 days to" in a line above, and your 
postoffice in a line below. The printer will know how 
this is to be done and will show you samples of work 
done for others. 

ter^heads! let Of course plain sheets of paper and plain envelopes 
can be used, but a printed letter head commands atten- 
tion, and assures the prospective customer that you are 
in business to stay, and will help establish confidence in 
your statements. Better still, and more attractive, would 
be a letter head with a photo-engraving of your dairy, 
some portions of your farm, some milch cows or a flock 
of chickens. The expense will be considerable more than 
a simple letter head, but the effect of such a display is 
well worth the outlay of a little more money at the begin- 
ning if you are in the business to stay. The advantage of 
a favorable impression at the start cannot be over-esti- 
mated. 

We would suggest that in all your correspondence 
you endeavor to write simply and just as you would talk 
face to face. Don't be afraid to use the personal pronoun 
"I" in the place of the plural "we" so often used. Treat 
the man or woman to whom you are writing as a friend. 
Don't write this way, 

Dear Sir: 

Yours at hand. Our price for eggs is . . cents, 
and for chickens is . . cents. Hope to hear from you. 

Yours Truly, 
but write more like this, 

Letter forms. Dear Friend: 

I was glad to get your letter today, for I think I 
have just what you want. I am getting . . cents for 
eggs laid today, and . . cents for young chickens, as 
fine ones as you ever ate. I would like your order, 
and will do my best to please you, so hope to hear 
from you very soon. 

Yours Truly, 
— 4 — 



How to write. 



Now doesn't this sound better to you ? Just put your- 
self in his place and see if it doesn't. It's the personal 
element and good fellowship in it that assures him of 
your interest in filling your order, and nine times out of 
ten you will get it. 

If you can't write letters that seem to take so much Family D.ay 
of your time, let the boy or girl do it, or the older daugh- help - 
ter. It will do them good, and perhaps be the means of 
arousing in them the first impulses for acquiring a help- 
ful knowledge of the farming business. 

Very often women make the greater success of sell- 
ing farm produce to the consumer. Trust them for de- 
tails, the packing, etc. They certainly know how and are 
painstaking. 

USE OF THE TELEPHONE 

The telephone is one of the best mediums for secur- Telephone ad- 
ing customers for the sale of farm produce. In the tele- vantages - 
phone book you have names, addresses and phone num- 
bers of hundreds of prospective customers right at hand, 
no letters to write, no postage, no waiting. At once you 
get into personal touch with women who are waiting to 
give you a trial order, and when you get that, it is up 
to you to give them satisfaction, and that means their 
.money's worth, and more too. Remember, a pleased cus- 
tomer is a permanent customer. 

The postmaster in the town or city whose telephone How to make 
book you have, will cheerfully tell you the principal your Iist of 
streets on which the well-to-do people live ; those who are 
most liable to want the best they can buy, and are will- 
ing to pay the price. It is an easy matter to secure a list 
of persons ; probably 200 customers would be enough for 
a starter. Use large sheets of paper with plenty of room 
for remarks; have a pencil handy when you call up and 
make a list of names with addresses of all those who 
seem interested as well as those who give you orders at 
once. Jot down some of the remarks they make, these 
may be of help to you in future talks with them. Be- 
fore you are through secure the name of the person with 
whom you are talking, and put it down, so when you wish 
to call that number on the phone again, you can call for 
the same person, and save yourself time and - needless 
explanations. Remember, too, that you are a stranger, 
and first of all introduce yourself by giving your name, 
telling them where you live, and then state your busi- 
ness. 

If possible, have in mind some of the questions they About quality 
are liable to ask you, so that your replies may be concise, and P rlces - 

— 5 — 



and easily understood. Assure them of the high quality 
of your produce and that you can make prompt delivery. 
Make the prices reasonable, sacrifice if need be to get 
your first order; in this Avay make a bid for their trade. 
Do not forget, if they seem uncertain what to say, that 
they are buying as boys sometimes trade "sight- 
unseen." Every housewife appreciates an article fresh 
from the country, and will be willing, no doubt, to meet 
you half way. 

LETTERS AND POSTAL CARDS 

Form letters. To the man who wishes to enlarge his business of 

marketing his produce by parcel post, no better way is 
open to him than by using the form letter so much in use 
at the present time. This is where the printed letter head 
will be available. Use the regular letter size 8 1-2 by 
11. These form letters may be gotten up in imitation 
of typewriting, and multigraphed at a small expense, 
and mailed unsealed for one cent, provided they are 
mailed at the postoffice or other depository designated 
by the postmaster in a minimum number of twenty iden- 
tical letters. The letter might read as follows: 

Dear Sir: 
Form of letter Selling eggs direct from my farm to the consumer 

has been my hobby for many months. Eggs shipped 
the same day as laid, clean, wholesome and appe- 
tizing, put up carefully in safe containers, they reach 
you without a break the day after they are laid. 

You cannot realize the fine flavor, the health-giv- 
ing and strengthening qualities of the egg until you 
get the real, truly fresh eggs, such as mine always 
are. 

My eggs are wrapped in air-tight wrappers as 
soon as laid, excluding the air and preventing con- 
tamination, and mailed the day they are laid. 

If this appeals to you, reply to this letter prompt- 
ly, and the postman will deliver your order the day 
after it is received by me, and at a price no more 
than your grocer asks for so-called fresh eggs. 

Try a dozen or more for a starter, and I'll wager 
you will give me a standing order for your weekly 
supply. 

I also have for sale fine young chickens, and 
all kinds of vegetables which I can deliver on short 
notice. I shall be glad to hear from you, and wilt 
do my best to please you. 
Yours very truly, 
— 6 — 



soliciting busi- 
ness, 



It is sometimes advisable to send a "Follow up" after idvantasos of 
such letters, for people do not always act at once. The the ^"Follow 
"Follow up" acts as a reminder, and often clinches the p " 
order. We should say send it along about ten days or 
two weeks after mailing your first letter. A postal card, 
printed or neatly written, something like the following 
would do : 

Dear Sir : 

I am supplying a number of customers with copy for postal 
fresh butter and eggs (and such other articles you cardi 
may choose to mention) by parcel post. The quality 
is the best, and the prices right. Satisfaction guar- 
anteed. Try the "Farm to Table" way of getting 
your food supplies, and you'll not regret it. Write 
or telephone. 

Yours very truly, 

Xame 

Address 

Telephone 

Mail these letters or postal cards to parties whose who to man 
names you find in papers, directories, telephone books, them to- 
members of lodges, etc. Ask some friends in the city 
to give you a few names of their friends, ask the same 
of the customers you now have, and all the time your 
list will be growing. If you fail to have the proper street 
address, the post office will supply it and deliver your 
mail. Send the cards to those you may have called on 
the telephone weeks ago, and who gave you no encour- 
agement at that time ; also send them once in a while to 
your regular customers. In this way keep in touch with 
all these people. The postal card serves as a reminder, 
and furnishes them with your name and address which 
possibly they may have forgotten or mislaid. 

To stock growers, nursery-men or poultry raisers, where to se- 
who wish to do a business outside of a limited territory, ™mes ist ° f 
names of people in all occupations can be obtained from 
firms in the cities who make a business of compiling 
such names. These are made up in typewritten lists, 
easy to read and dependable, and cost about 25 cents 
per hundred names. 

INSURANCE 

If you want to send packages of considerable value Government 
and wish to insure them against loss or damage, you insurance - 
will notice in the Postal Regulations, further on in this 
booklet, that the government has provided for your doing 
so up to the value of $50. 

— 7 — 



Cost of mer- 
cantile insur- 
ance. 



Simplicity 
mercantile 
insurance. 



There are, however, certain Insurance companies who 
will insure packages for considerable less cost to the 
sender. They issue books of coupons which insure par- 
cel post packages against loss from any cause, from time 
of mailing until delivery at any place in the United States, 
and indeed to some places outside. 

One 2 1-2 cent coupon insures up to $10; 5 cents in 
coupons insures up to $25 ; 10 cents in coupons insures 
up to $50, and so on. The same coupon may be used to 
insure letter mail, books sent in third class rates, and to 
obtain additional protection on registered first class 
mail, 
of These coupons are issued in denominations of 2 1-2 
cents and 5 cents, the books of coupons selling for $5 
and up to $25. The only thing necessary to make the 
insurance effective is to insert a coupon, according to its 
value, in the package and mail at the cheapest rate al- 
lowable. With this system of insurance it is not neces- 
sary to go to the postoffice to insure a package, hence a 
saving of time and trouble. 



Specially 
signed. 



Box material. 



BOXES OR CONTAINERS 

Boxes or containers can be obtained specially design- 
ed to enable the farmer and fruit grower, the dairyman 
and the poultryman to take full advantage of the benefits 
now offered by the enlarged parcel post facilities. These 
boxes are light in weight, firm under service, and most 
convenient for packing a single article or a number of 
different kinds, and transporting them safely to the city 
customer, or on a long journey. 

We consider it vital to any man to have at hand the 
means to do his business right, and he will find these 
boxes specially adapted to the service required of them. 
The material is tough, resilient and strong, and yet as 
one manufacturer says, "five square feet of it weigh less 
than a pound." The boxes, therefore, are a great saver 
of postage. 

All boxes of this kind are shipped knocked down, or 
flat. They are easily set up by the inexperienced, and all 
many of them need for the parcel post delivery is a strong 
cord, and even this is furnished by the box maker upon 
request. Specially constructed containers are made for 
transporting eggs. (A list of manufacturers of these con- 
tainers is given further along in this booklet). 

EGGS 

construction Boxes are so constructed as to afford the greatest 

: egg boxes. p OSS ib] e protection to eggs in transit. Some of these are 

made with double thickness of wall throughout, and with 



How shipped. 



cellular construction which cushions the eggs, providing 
a perfect protection against excessive heat or cold. An- 
other carrier is so constructed as to hold eggs suspended, 
after being suitably wrapped in light paper which retards 
evaporation and prevents contamination, thus preserving 
their freshness. 

Still another maker constructs a box with V-shaped Eggs fuiiy 
fillers which hold eggs in suspension and protect them P rotected - 
from breakage, made of light material, and yet retaining 
great strength. The eggs do not come in contact with 
the outside of the box, having a cushion on all sides ; and 
being wrapped in tissue paper, there is no jar, thus in- 
suring safe transportation. 

There are many other kinds that have their special 
advantages. One manufacturer claims his boxes may 
be dropped twenty feet and not break an egg. Boxes are 
made for shipping hatching eggs, as well as those for 
household use, and are made in various sizes. 

Eggs have been sent thousands of miles in these con- shipped long 
tainers. and reached their destination in perfect condition. dlstanees - 

The Poultry Herald of September, 1913, tells of a 
shipment by a breeder of Barred and Buff Rocks, who 
shipped a consignment of eggs to Russia, and although 
five weeks on the way, not one egg was broken. 

Another feature of the egg containers is that they can Retainers used 
be used repeatedly and still be in good condition. A cus- repeatedy,> 
tomer receiving regular shipments can return several 
retainers in a bunch, as they fold flat when not in use. 

COLLECTION OF ACCOUNTS. 

"How am I to collect from these customers whom I 
have never seen?" is a pertinent question, but one, we 
think you need have no anxiety over. The experience of 
others is a fair guide for you, and has shown there is 
little or no loss because of non-payment. 

The majority of people are honest, especially so those Most people 
from whom you solicit orders over the telephone, and why honest - 
not give other customers the benefit of the doubt? One 
shipper writes that he has sent several hundred packages 
to customers whom he had never heard from until the 
orders came, and never lost a cent. 

You will find some parties who will not want to be Monthly pay- 
bothered with small payments. Such people you must ments - 
humor, and arrange a way of collecting once a month, 
or when their account reaches a given amount. These 
you will often find to be your best customers, the ones 
to stay by you because they like your produce and the 
way you do business, and will prove to be good adver- 
tisers for you. 

— 9 — 



Mail your bill The P ost al regulations permit you to enclose an in- 
witu the pack- voice in the package. No other writing is permissible. 
It might be a good idea to provide yourself with self -ad- 
dressed envelopes, that is, with your name and address 
coin retainers, printed on them, also coin retainers which cost but a 
trifle, and enclose these in the package. The hint is ob- 
vious without any explanation. In some cases where 
orders come through the mail, you might write or have 
printed on a postal card an acknowledgment, like the fol- 
lowing: 



Form of ac- 
knowledge- 
ment. 



Eggs and 
fowls. 



Dear Sir: 

I am glad to get your order, and thank you for it. 
It goes out with this mail, and with the package 
you will find a bill and coin receiver, in which put 
the amount clue and mail in the self-addressed en- 
velope. Hoping to receive your future orders, I am 
Yours very truly, 

PACKING 

Great care should be taken in packing your produce 
for shipment. Decide early on the kind of container 
you are going to use, then follow carefully the instruc- 
tions given by the makers of the package boxes. Eggs, 
for instance, should be clean, well assorted, and wrapped 
separately in thin tough paper. Wrap fowls carefully 
and daintily, so that the first impressions will call forth 
an exclamation of delight. Many times new customers 
have been secured through the praise and recommenda- 
tions of a pleased customer. It pays to do a thing well, 
and it opens up a direct market for other things you have 
for sale. Soiled packages and broken containers will do 
much to injure your business. Deliver everything in first 
class shape, and the good reputation gained will stand 
you in well for the future. 

RECORDS 

importance of A record of each customer should be kept, whether 

a cash sale or otherwise. Note the article ordered, the 
date sent, how sent, and the weight and cost of transpor- 
tation, and the amount of the bill, etc. Often such records 
come in handy when a person writes that they want 
"the same as they had before," or the same as you sent 
some friend of theirs, 
copy the let- In answering letters, it is a good plan to have a sheet 
ters you write. Q £ car b on pa per handy, and make a duplicate copy on 
back of the letter you have received. This is a little 
thing to do, but may often save you much time and 
trouble. 

—10— 



WHAT MAY BE SENT. 

Outside of things that may be harmful there seems to Meats, fruits, 
be no limit to what may be sent by parcel post, so long gar7en Pr °truck' 
as the postal regulations regarding size of the package etc. 
are complied with. Fresh meats of all kinds, dressed 
poultry, dressed squabs, butter, eggs, fruit, garden truck, 
mince meat, apples, berries, celery, cottage cheese, queen 
bees, nursery stock, grain, seeds of fruit, hams, preserves, 
honey, pickles, cabbage, tomato plants, etc., etc. 

In one case a live turtle was sent enclosed in a box. Live turtle. 
In another, three Barred Plymouth Rock hens, which 
were watered, fed and delivered to the owner, went 
through the St. Louis (Mo.) postofhce. 

The San Bernadino (Cal.) Index of Dec. 25, 1914, stuffed pig tor 
said : "Among the diversified shipments during the ner . is mas 
Christmas holidays was an unusual 'parcel' that arrived 
this morning at the postoffice. A suckling pig was sent 
from a ranch in San Joaquin Valley to a local family, 
and was stuffed and ready for the oven. The pig weigh- 
ed between 30 and 40 pounds." 



MANUFACTURERS OF CONTAINERS. 

The following list of manufacturers of boxes or containers is ap- 
pended for the convenience of producers who wish to avail them- 
selves of the privilege of investigating these package boxes. There 
are many others whose names we do not have at our command. 
Some of these listed below have displayed their lines in the parcel 
post exhibit held under the auspices of the Postoffice Department at 
the different county fairs ; others have submitted samples to the post- 
office authorities to assure them of their availability for transporta- 
tion in the mails. These names are submitted merely as guide to 
shippers. The responsibility of selecting a suitable container is left 
entirely with the individual shipper, who should read over carefully 
the postal regulations governing wrapping and packing found on 
page 23. After proper selection of container has been made, suitable 
for his purpose, if any doubt as to its fitness remains, it may be sub- 
mitted to the local postmaster for his approval. After all, the chief 
features are strength and durability. 

A postal card of inquiry addressed to any of these firms will bring 
you their advertising and descriptive matter without any obligation 
on your part. 

Tywacana Mfg. Co., Box 52, Farmington, L. I., N. Y. 

Sefton Mfg Co., 1341 W. 35th St., Chicago, 111. 

Hammock Egg Carrier Co., 620 Ellicott Square, Buffalo, N. Y. 

R. P. Andrews Paper Co., 727-731 13th St., Washington, D. C. 

Hinde & Dauch Paper Co., Sandusky, Ohio. 

—11— 



U. S. Corrugated Fibre Box Co., Indianapolis, Ind. 

H. B. Elliott & Sons, Harbor Springs, Mich. 

Milwaukee Bag Co., Milwaukee, Wis. 

Missouri Combination Case Co., 10 W. Missouri Ave., Kansas 

City, Mo. 
The Harley Folding Box Co., Detroit, Mich. 
Cummer Manufacturing Co., Cadillac, Mich. 
M. C. Mead Mfg. Co., 131 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, 111. 
Eureka Eggmailer Co., 22 West Monroe St., Chicago, 111. 
J. C. Bulis & Co., 1138 S 12th St., St. Louis, Mo. 
Ripley Mfg. Co., Grafton, 111. 

American Can Co., Monroe Building, Chicago, 111. 
C. J. Lawrence & Bro., 1132-1134 Wabash Ave., Chicago, 111. 

POINTS OF INTEREST TO FARMERS. 

Do You Know the domestic parcel post offers a more convenient, 
quick and efficient means of transporting mailable parcels to any 
postoffice in the United States or its possessions? 

Do You Know that the parcel post offers a steady market for any 
surplus stock you may have on hand from time to time, and that 
there are thousands of people awaiting an opportunity to purchase 
your produce? 

Do You Know that the way to retain these customers is to main- 
tain the high quality of your products at a reasonable price at all 
times and that customers once using them will call for more? 

Do You Know that the parcel post reaches more places than ,-.ny 
other transportation agency? 

Do You Know that the parcel post is the best medium to bring con- 
sumer and producer into closer contact, thus opening the way to re- 
duce the high cost of living? 

Do You Know that special treatment and advantages are accord- 
ed to shipments of farm products weighing twenty and fifty pounds 
and that low postage rates, based on the service rendered, are pro- 
vided? 

Do You Know that the benefits obtained by using the parcel 
post will be of mutual advantage to both consumer and producer, 
benefits which would otherwise go to the middleman? 

Do You Know that it takes a retail merchant several years to 
build up an established and profitable retail trade? So do not des- 
pair when results are not instantaneous, but persist and push the 
cause along to the benefit of all, and when results are once estab- 
lished, the good-will of your customers thus obtained will be a most 
valuable element in your business. 

—12— 



Rural Carrier Service. 

A rural carrier will accept any mailable matter which 
may be tendered him by any person for delivery or des- 
patch provided the postage is fully prepaid or money 
equal to the postage required is furnished. When mat- 
ter is tendered to a rural carrier for mailing, the weight 
of which or the rate of postage thereon he is unable f o 
ascertain, he shall receive from the sender an amount when in doubt 
sufficient to insure full payment of postage, returning to ^postage!" 1 * 
the sender on the next trip any excess amount collected. 

Directions for Preparing and Shipping Perishable 
Goods by Parcel Post. 

(Complete regulations by the Postoffice Department 
will follow later in these pages). 

Wrapping and Packing. 

All matter should be securely wrapped so as to bear 
transmission without breaking or injuring mail bags, 
their contents or the person handling them. Many arti- 
cles are damaged in the mails for the reason that they 
are not properly wrapped to withstand the necessary 
handling. 

Butter, lard and perishable articles, such as fish, fresh perishable ar- 
meats, vegetables, fruits, berries, and articles of a simi- tIcles - 
lar nature which decay quickly, when so packed or wrap- 
ped as to prevent damage to other mail, will be accepted 
for local delivery, either at the office of mailing or on any 
rural route starting therefrom. When enclosed in an inner 
cover and a strong outer cover of wood, metal, heavy 
corrugated pasteboard, or other suitable material, and 
wrapped so that nothing can escape from the package, how to wrap 
they will be accepted for mailing to all offices to which them ' 
in the ordinary course of mail they can be sent without 
spoiling. 

Butter, dressed fowls, vegetables, fruits and other 
perishable articles in parcels weighing more than 20 
pounds will be accepted for mailing to offices in the first 
or second zones when suitably wrapped or inclosed and 
packed in crates, boxes, or other suitable containers hav- 
ing tight bottoms to prevent the escape of anything from 
the package, and so constructed as properly to protect 
the contents. All such parcels to be transported outside 
of mail bags. 

NOTE: Boxes with lids nailed or screwed may be Nans or 
used, provided the lids can be readily removed with a Scr6ws - 
chisel or screw-driver for examination of contents. 

—13— 



Articles not 
accepted for 
delivery. 

Perishable 
shipments. 



Eggs for local 
delivery. 



How to wrap 



weighing more 
than 20 pounds 



Special 
delivery. 



Approval of lo- 
cal postmaster. 



Dimensions of 
packages. 



Articles likely to spoil within the time reasonably re- 
quired for transportation and delivery will not be accept- 
ed for delivery. 

Perishable shipments should be despatched in such 
manner as to avoid the least possible delay and plainly 
endorsed with the word "Perishable" by means of a 
paster label. 

Eggs will be accepted for local delivery when so pack- 
ed in a basket or other container as to prevent damage 
to other mail. 

Eggs will be accepted for mailing regardless of dis- 
tance, when each egg is separately wrapped and sur- 
rounded with excelsior, cotton, or other suitable ma- 
terial, and packed in a strong container made of double- 
faced corrugated pasteboard, metal, wood or other suit- 
able material and wrapped so that nothing can escape 
from the package. All such parcels shall be marked 
"EGGS." 

Eggs in parcels weighing more than 20 pounds will 
be accepted for mailing to offices in the first and second 
zones when packed in crates, boxes, baskets, or other con- 
tainers having tight bottoms to prevent the escape of 
anything from the package and so constructed as prop- 
erly to protect the contents. Such packages to be 
marked "EGGS— THIS SIDE UP," and to be trans- 
ported outside of mail bags. 

All other articles should be plainly marked "PER- 
ISHABLE." 

By affixing a special-delivery stamp, 10 cents each, 
in addition to the regular postage, special delivery ser- 
vice may be obtained to secure prompt handling and de- 
livery, especially on parcels mailed or arriving too late 
for the last carrier delivery. 

Farmers intending to ship farm products in consid- 
erable quantities should submit to the postmaster at their 
local postoffice, for approval, a speciment parcel showing 
the manner of packing. 

When properly prepared, parcels must not exceed the 
dimensions of seventy-two (72) inches in length and 
girth combined. In measuring a parcel the greatest dis- 
tance in a straight line between the ends (but not around 
the parcel) is taken as its length, while the distance 
around the parcel at its thickest part is taken as its girth. 



Address on 
packages. 



How Addressed 

All parcels, regardless of contents, to be shipped by 
United States Parcel Post must bear the name and com- 
plete address of the sender, preceded by the word 
"From" which should be placed in the upper left hand 
—14— 



corner. The name of the person to whom the parcel is 
sent should be written plainly with ink near the center 
and on the same side of the parcel bearing the address of 
the sender. Do not use tags for this purpose : they are 
apt to become detached. 

Permissible Inclosures. 

There may be enclosed with fourth class matter a invoices, 
written or printed invoice showing the name and ad- 
dress of the sender and of the addressee ; the names and 
quantities of articles enclosed, together with inscriptions 
indicating "for purpose of description" the price, style, 
stock number, size, and quality of the articles ; the order Descr ip t i 0n . 
or file number, date of order, and date and manner of 
shipment ; and the initials or name of the salesman, or 
the person by whom the articles were packed and 
checked. 

Inscriptions, such as "Merry Christmas," "With best inscriptions, 
wishes," "Do not open until Christmas," or words to 
that effect, may be written on parcel post mail, or on a 
card inclosed therewith. 

Communications Attached to Parcels. 

When it is desired to send a communication which is how to attach, 
not a permissible enclosure with a parcel on which pos- 
tage at the fourth class rate has been fully prepaid, the 
communication may be placed in an envelope fully pre- 
paid at the first class rate and addressed to correspond 
with the address on the parcel and then be tied to or 
otherwise securely attached to the outside of the parcel 
in such manner as to prevent its separation therefrom 
and not to interfere with the address on the parcel. The stamps. ° 
stamps to cover the postage on the parcel must be af- 
fixed to the wrapper of the parcel, and those to pay the 
postage on the communication must be affixed to the 
envelope of the communication. Parcels to which such 
communications are attached are treated as fourth class 
matter. Only one special delivery fee is required on such 
parcels sent as special delivery matter. 

Rates of Postage. 

The rate of postage on parcels addressed for delivery ist and 2nd 
in the first and second zones is five (5) cents for the first zones ' 
pound and one (1) cent for each additional pound. Limit 
of weight, fifty (50) pounds. 

The rate of postage on parcels addressed for delivery Third zone . 
in the third zone is six (6) cents for the first pound and 
two (2) cents for each additional pound. Limit of weight 
twenty (20) pounds. 

—15— 



Rates applicable to the local and other zones will be 

OtflGr ZCH6^. Mr IT 

found in the Complete Postal Regulations further along 
in these pages. 

Insurance. 

cost of in- Parcels on which the postage is fully prepaid may be 

surance. insured against loss in an amount not exceeding $25 on 

a fee of five cents, and $50 on payment of a fee of ten 
cents. A receipt will be furnished if desired. 

Collect on Delivery Service. 

Parcel Post matter (but no other) may be sent C. O. 
3 D. from one money order postoffice to another on pay- 
ment of a fee of 10 cents in addition to the postage, both 
to be prepaid with stamps affixed. The amount to be 
collected and remitted to the sender must not exceed 
$100. A C. O. D. tag furnished by the postmaster must 
be filled in by the sender and attached to the parcel. The 
C. O. D. fee also covers insurance against loss up to $50, 

PARCEL POST OR FOURTH CLASS MAIL. 

Rates of Postage, Classification, Insurance and C. O. D. 
Features, Wrapping, Etc. 



Complete Postal Regulations. 

matter denned. Fourth Class Matter Embraces that known as domes- 
tic parcel post mail, and includes merchandise, FARM 
and factory products, seeds, cuttings, bulbs, roots, scions 
and plants, books (including catalogues), miscellaneous 
printed matter weighing more than four pounds and all 
other mailable matter not embraced in the first, second 
and third classes. 

Extent and Usefulness of Parcel Post. 

Extent of par- The domestic parcel post offers a convenient, quick, 
cei pos . an( j e ffi c i en |- means of transporting mailable parcels to 

any postoffice in the United States or its possessions. The 
service reaches more places than any other transporta- 
tion agency. It brings producers and consumers into 
closer contact, thus opening the way to reducing the 
high cost of living. Special treatment and advantages 
are accorded to shipments of farm products weighing be- 
tween 20 and 50 pounds. Low postage rates, based on 
the service rendered, are provided. The rates to nearby 
zones are particularly advantageous. Parcels may be 
insured against loss and may be sent C. O. D., and as 
special delivery matter. 

—16— 



Rates of Postage on Fourth Class or Parcel Post Matter 
To be Fully Prepaid — Unsealed. 

(a) Parcels weighing 4 ounces or less, except books, 4 ounces or 
seeds, plants, etc., 1 cent for each ounce or fraction there- lesa ' 

of, any distance. 

(b) Parcels weighing 8 ounces or less containing 8 ounces r 
books, seeds, cuttings, bulbs, roots, scions, and plants, 1 less - 
cent for each 2 ounces or fraction thereof, regardless of 
distance. 

(c) Parcels weighing more than 8 ounces containing More than s 
books, seeds, plants, etc., parcels of miscellaneous ounces - 
printed matter weighing more than 4 pounds, and all 

other parcels of fourth-class matter weighing more than 
4 ounces are chargeable, according to distance or zone, 
at the pound rate shown in the following table, a fraction 
of a pound being considered a full pound : 



-17- 





EXTENT AND RATE BY ZONES 




fl 

tic 


Local 


ZONES 


1st 

Up to 50 

miles 


2d 

50 to 150 
miles 


3d 

150 to 300 
miles 


4th 

300 to 600 

miles 


5th 

600 

to 1,000 

miles 


6th 

1.000 

to 1,400 

miles 


7th 

1,400 

to 1,800 

miles 


8th 

Over 
1,800 
miles 


1 


$0.05 


$0.05 
.06 


$0.05 
.06 


$0.06 

.08 


$0.07 
.11 


$0.08 


$0.09 


$0.11 


$0.12 


2 


.06 


.14 


.17 


.21 


.24 
.36 

.48 
.60 


3 


.06 


.07 


.07 

.08 


.10 


.15 


.20 


.25 


.31 


4 


.07 


.08 


.12 


.19 

.23 


.26 


.33 


.41 


5 
6 

7 


.07 

.08 
.08 


.09 


.09 


.14 


.32 


.41 


.51 


.10 
.11 


.10 
.11 
.12 


.16 


.27 


.38 


.49 


.61 


.72 


.18 


.31 


.44 
.50 


.57 
.65 


.71 


.84 


8 


.09 


.12 


.20 


.35 
.39 


.81 


.96 


9 


.09 


.13 


.13 
.14 


.22 


.56 


.73 


.91 


1.08 


10 


.10 


.14 


.24 


.43 
.47 


.62 


.81 


1.01 


1.20 


11 


.10 


.15 


.15 
.16 
.17 


.26 


.68 


.89 


1.11 


1.32 


12 


.11 


.16 


.28 
.30 


.51 

.55 
.59 


.74 


.97 


1.21 


1.44 


13 


.11 


.17 


.80 


1.05 


1.31 


1.56 
1.68 


14 


.12 


.18 


.18 


.32 


.86 


1.13 


1.41 


15 


.12 


.19 


.19 

.20 
.21 


.34 


.63 


.92 


1.21 


1.51 1.80 


16 


.13 


.20 


.36 


.67 


.98 


1.29 


1.61 


1.92 


17 


.13 


.21 


.38 


.71 


1.04 


1.37 


1.71 


2.04 


18 


.14 


.22 


.22 


.40 
.42 


.75 


1.10 


1.45 


1.81 


2.16 


19 


.14 


.23 


.23 


.79 


1.16 


1.53 


1.91 | 2.28 


20 


.15 


.24 


.24 


.44 


.83 


1.22 


1.61 


2.01 1 2.40 


21 


.15 


.25 


.25 
.26 

.27 


ZONES— Parcel Post Guide and Maps. 

— For parcel post purposes the United 
States is divided into equal units of area 
thirty minutes square. Such units form 
the basis of the eight postal zones. To as- 
certain in which zone a post office is located 
from the office of mailing, a parcel post 
guide, costing 55 cents, and map, costing 
20 cents, are jointly used. The guide ap- 
plies to all offices, but a separate map is 
required for each unit. A zone key is fur- 
nished with the guide for use in the units 
of area in which the 50 largest post offices 
are located, and makes the map for those 
units unnecessary. The guide and maps 
may be purchased by sending a money 
order to the Third Assistant Postmaster 
General, Washington, I). C. Stamps are 
are not accepted. 


22 


.16 


.26 


23 


.16 


.27 


24 


.17 


.28 
.29 
.30 


.28 
.29 
.30 


25 


.17 


26 


.18 


27 


.18 


.31 


.31 
.32 


28 


.19 


.32 


29 


.19 


.33 


.33 


30 
31 


.20 


.34 


.34 

.35 


.20 


.35 


32 


.21 


.36 


.36 
.37 


33 


.21 


.37 


34 


.22 


.38 


.38 


35 


.22 


.39 


.39 


36 

37 


.23 


.40 


.40 


.23 
.24 


.41 
.42 


.41 
.42 


38 


39 


.24 


.43 


.43 
.44 


40 


.25 


.44 


41 


.25 


.45 
.46 


.45 
.46 

.47 


42 
43 


.26 


.26 


.47 


44 


.27 


.48 


.48 
.49 


45 


.27 


.49 


46 
47 


.28 


.50 


.50 
.51 
.52 
.53 


.28 


.51 


48 


.29 


.52 


49 


.29 


.53 


50 


.30 


.54 


.54 















The Local Rate applies to parcels mailed under the 
following conditions: 

(1) At any postomce for local delivery at such office. Application of 

v y J r m J local rate. 

(2) At any city letter carrier office, or at any point 
within its delivery limits, for delivery by carriers from 
that office. 

(3) At any postoffice from which a rural route starts, 
for delivery on such rural route, or when mailed at any 
point on a rural route starting from the same office. 

Alaska, Hawaiian and Philippine Islands, Etc. 

The eighth zone rate of 12 cents for each pound or Rates to for- 
fraction thereof on all parcels weighing more than 4 eign port3 ' 
ounces (except books, seeds, cuttings, bulbs, roots, scions, 
and plants, weighing 8 ounces or less) applies (1) be- 
tween the United States and the Hawaiian Islands; 
(2) between the United States and its postal agency at 
Shanghai, China; (3) between any two points in Alaska 
and between any point in Alaska and any other point in 
the United States ; (4) between the United States and 
the Canal Zone; (5) between the United States and 
the Philippine Islands ; (6) to, from, or between Guam, 
Tutuila, and Mamua and other islands of the Samoan 
group east of longitude 171 degrees west of Greenwich, 
and the United States and its other possessions ; (7) be- 
tween the United States and its naval vessels stationed 
in foreign waters. 

Canada, Cuba, Mexico, and Republic of Panama. 

The rate of 12 cents for each pound or fraction there- Rates to coun- 
of also applies to fourth-class matter, including seeds, cut- t"^. a ^ jacent 
tings, bulbs, roots, scions, and plants (but excepting 
books and other printed matter on which the rate is 1 
cent for each two ounces or fraction thereof in all cases) 
weighing more than 4 ounces and not exceeding 4 pounds 
6 ounces when mailed to Canada, Mexico, Cuba, and the 
Republic of Panama. (Parcels weighing up to 11 pounds 
may be sent to Mexico and the Republic of Panama as 
foreign parcel post mail under the parcel post conven- 
tions with those countries.) 

Special Delivery Fee. 

Special delivery fee is 10 cents in addition to the regu- 
lar postage. 

Limit of Weight 

The limit of weight of fourth-class matter is 50 pounds 
for parcels mailed for delivery within the first and sec- 
ond zones, and 20 pounds for all other zones. 

—19— 



How 
ure : 



to meas- 
l parcel. 



Invoice for ar 
tides sold. 



Inscriptions. 



How to send 
a letter with a 
package. 



Limit of Size 

Parcel post matter may not exceed 72 inches in length 
and girth combined. In measuring a parcel the greatest 
distance in a straight line between the ends (but not 
around the parcel) is taken as its length, while the dis- 
tance around the thickest part is taken as its girth. For 
example, a parcel 35 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 5 
inches high measures 65 inches in length and girth com- 
bined. 

Name and Address of Sender. 

A parcel of fourth-class matter may not be accepted 
for mailing unless it bears the name and address of the 
sender, which should be preceded by the word "From." 

Further Inscriptions on Fourth-Class Mail. 

There may be placed on fourth-class matter, or wrap- 
per or cover, tag or label, any marks, numbers, names, 
or letters for purpose of description. There may be writ- 
ten on the blank leaves or cover of any book a simple 
manuscript dedication or inscription not in the nature of 
a personal correspondence. Space sufficient for a legible 
address, postmark, the necessary postage stamps, and 
any words necessary for forwarding or return, must be 
left on the address side of parcels. 

Enclosures. 

There may be enclosed with fourth-class matter a 
written or printed invoice showing the name and ad- 
dress of the sender and of the addressee; the names and 
quantities of articles inclosed, together with inscriptions 
indicating, "for purpose of description," the price, style, 
stock number, size and quality of the articles ; the order 
or file number, date of order, and date and manner of 
shipment ; and the initials or name of the salesman, or of 
the person by whom the articles were packed or 
checked. 

Inscriptions, such as "Merry Christmas," "With best 
wishes," "Do not open until Christmas," or words to 
that effect, may be written on fourth-class mail, or on a 
card inclosed therewith. 

Communications Attached to Parcels 

When it is desired to send a communication with a 
parcel on which postage at the fourth-class rate has been 
fully prepaid the communication may be placed in an en- 
velope fully prepaid at the first-class rate and addressed 
to correspond with the address on the parcel and then be 
tied to or otherwise securely attached to the outside of 
—20— 



the parcel in such manner as to prevent its separation 

therefrom and not to interfere with the address on the 
parcel. The stamps to cover the postage on the parcel 
must be affixed to the wrapper of the parcel, and those 
to pay the postage on the communication must be af- 
fixed to the envelope of the communication. Parcels to 
which such communications are attached are treated as 
fourth-class matter. Only one special delivery fee is re- 
quired on such parcels sent as special delivery matter. 

Public Library Books. 

Public library books, otherwise mailable as parcel 
post matter, may bear any printed or written mark con- 
stituting a necessary inscription for the purpose of a 
permanent library record. 

Proprietary Articles of Merchandise. 

Proprietary articles of merchandise, such as harmless Examination of 
medical preparations, soaps, tobacco, food products, etc., agfs^enciowi" 
put up in fixed quantities, in original sealed packages, by 
the manufacturer so as to allow examination of the pack- 
ages in their simplest mercantile form and labeled in 
printing so as to show the nature of contents, quantity, 
and name of the manufacturer, are mailable at the fourth 
class rate of postage. If such sealed packages are en- 
closed in an outer wrapper, the latter must not be sealed. 

Meats and Meat-Food Products. 

Before meats or meat-food products of cattle, sheep, certificate and 
swine, or goats may be accepted for mailing from one quired" 011 re 
State or Territory to another State or Territory, the cer- 
tificate of inspection or exemption required by section 
477, Postal Laws and Regulations, must be filed with the 
postmaster. Such certificate must be prepared and fur- 
nished by the sender. 

Game. 

The dead bodies of any wild animals or birds, or parts Dead bodies 
thereof, including furs, skins, plumage, etc., lawfully v loVtton of 
killed and offered for shipment, may be accepted for state laws - 
mailing only when the parcels are plainly marked to show 
the actual nature of the contents and the name and ad- 
dress of the sender. The dead bodies, or parts thereof, 
of any wild animals or birds which have been killed or 
offered for shipment in violation of the laws of a State, 
Territory, or District, are unmailable ; persons sending 
such articles and the addressees knowingly receiving 
them in violation of the law being liable to a fine of not 
more than $200. 

—21— 



Nursery Stock 

List of Nursery stock, including all field grown florist's stock, 

trees, shrubs, vines, cuttings, grafts, scions, buds, fruit 
pits, and other seeds of fruit and ornamental trees or 
shrubs, and other plants and plant products for propaga- 
tion, except field, vegetable, and flower seeds, bedding 
plants and other herbaceous plants, bulbs, and roots, may 

Exceptions. be admitted to the mails only when accompanied with a 
certificate from a State or Government inspector to the 
effect that the nursery from which such nursery stock 
is shipped has been inspected within a year and found 

Must have free from injurious insects, and the parcel containing 

been inspected. suc h j s plainly marked to sIioav the nature of the con- 
tents and the name and address of the sender. 

Place of Mailing 

Parcels of books, seeds, and plants, weighing more 
than 8 ounces, and parcels of other fourth class matter 
weighing more than 4 ounces, must be mailed at a post- 
office, branch postoffice, named, numbered or lettered 
station, or delivered to a rural or other carrier duly au- 
thorized to receive such matter. Smaller parcels may be 
deposited in letter or package boxes. 

Insurance on Fourth Class Mail. 

Fees and con- Fourth class or domestic parcel post mail (but no oth- 
ditions. er ^ mav k e insured against loss upon payment of a fee 

of 5 cents for value not exceeding $25, or 10 cents for 
value not exceeding $50, in addition to the postage, both 
to be prepaid with stamps affixed. It may be registered. 
Such mail may be insured at any postoffice or station 
thereof, or by rural carriers. The sender must fill out 
an insurance tag, which will be furnished him on request, 
to be attached to the parcel. 

Return Receipts for Insured Parcels may be obtained 
by endorsing the parcels "Return receipt desired." 
Damaged and Indemnity for lost Insured Parcels is paid for the 
actual value within the limit of insurance. No indem- 
nity is payable on account of mere partial damage. How- 
ever, when an article is so damaged as to render it whol- 
ly worthless, it is regarded as lost, provided it was pack- 
ed and endorsed in accordance with the postal require- 
ments. No indemnity is paid for labor, workmanship, 
etc., in repairing partial damage. 

Collect on Delivery Service. 

Amount of fee Condition and Fee. Parcel of fourth-class or parcel 
required. p OSt ma ^t e r may be sent "C. O. D." from one money- 
order postoffice to another on payment of a fee of 10 
22 



cents in addition to the postage, both to be prepaid with Fee c vers 
stamps affixed. The amount to be collected and remitted insurance, 
to the sender must not exceed $100. The remittance is 
made by postoffice money order, the fee therefor being 
included in the amount collected from the addressee. A 
"C. O. D." tag" being furnished by the postmaster must 
be filled in by the sender and attached to the parcel. The 
"C. O. D." fee also covers insurance against loss up to 
$50 actual value. 

A Receipt is given to the sender of a "C. O. D." par- 
cel at the time of mailing, but no return receipt is furn- 
ished, as the remittance shows that delivery has been 
made. 

Examination of Contents of a "C. O. D." Parcel is not 
permitted until it has heen receipted for and all charges 
paid. 

Indemnity for lost "C. O. D." Parcels is paid for the Limit of in- 
actual value not to exceed $50, under the conditions gov- demnity - 
erning the payment of indemnity for lost insured parcels. 

PREPARATION AND WRAPPING OF 
MAIL MATTER. 

Fourth class or parcel post must be so wrapped or Examinat'on. 
enveloped that the contents may be examined easily by 
postal officials. When not so wrapped or when bearing 
or containing writing not authorized by law, the matter 
will be treated as of the first class. 

Parcel post mail may be inclosed in boxes to which Nailed boxes, 
the lids are nailed or screwed, provided the lids can be 
readily removed with a chisel or screw driver for exam- 
ination of contents. 

All matter should be securely wrapped so as to bear how to wrap, 
transmission without breaking or injuring mail bags, 
their contents or the persons handling them. Many ar- 
ticles are damaged in the mails for the reason that they 
are not properly wrapped to withstand the necessary 
handling. 

Parcels weighing 20 pounds or under are generally 
carried inside mail bags with otiher mail ; those weighing 
over 20 pounds are usually carried outside mail bags. 
They should be wrapped with that understanding. 

Parcels improperly or insufficiently wrapped will not improperly 
be accepted for transmission in the mails. wrapped. 

Umbrellas, canes, golf sticks, and similar articles must umbrellas, 
be reinforced by strips of wood or otherwise sufficiently canes - etc - 
wrapped to withstand handling and transportation. 

Hats must be packed in strong boxes ; if in ordinary Hats, 
pasteboard hat boxes, they must be properly crated. 

—23— 



Cut flowers, candies, etc., should be inclosed in strong 

Cutflowers. , & 

and suitable boxes. 

Machinery. Stove castings and pieces of machinery should be pro- 

tected with excelsior or similar material and wrapped in 
cloth or strong paper or be properly boxed or crated. 

nides and Mailable hides or pelts must be thoroughly wrapped 

pelts ' to prevent the escape of grease. 

Harmful ar- Harmful Articles not absolutely excluded from the 

mails, but which, from their form and nature, might, un- 
less properly secured, destroy, deface, or otherwise dam- 
age the contents of the mail bag, or harm the person of 
anyone engaged in the postal service, may be transmit- 
ted in the maiis only when packed in accordance with 
the postal regulations. 

Edged tools. Sharp-pointed or sharp-edged instruments or tools 

must have their points and edges protected so that they 
cannot cut through their covering, and be thoroughly 
wrapped. 

Dry sub- Powders and all pulverized dry substances must be 

so wrapped that none of the contents of the package will 
sift out. 

Pastes, etc. Pastes, salves, etc., not easily liquefiable must be in- 

closed in water tight containers and placed in strong 
boxes and securely wrapped. 

how to enclose Liquids — Admissible liquids in packages not exceed- 
nquids. j n g. t j ie i; m j t Q f we ight of fourth-class matter will be ac- 

cepted for mailing when intended for delivery at the 
office of mailing or on a rural route starting therefrom, 
when inclosed in a glass or metal container securely in- 
closed and heavily wrapped, provided it is not necessary 
to transport them over steam or electric railways, 
conditions for Admissible Liquids and Oils, Pastes, Salves, or other 
mailing liquids. ar ti c les easily liquefiable, will be accepted for mailing, 
regardless of distance, when they conform to the follow- 
ing conditions : 

(a) When in strong glass bottles holding 4 ounces or 

less, the total quantity sent in one parcel shall not 

exceed 24 ounces, liquid measure. 

how to wrap Each bottle shall be wrapped in paper or other ab- 

parcel h0le sorbent substance and then all placed in a box made of 

cardboard or other suitable material and packed in a 

container made of double faced corrugated pasteboard 

of good quality. The corners of the container must fit 

tightly and be reinforced with tape so as to prevent the 

escape of any liquid if the contents should be broken, 

and the whole parcel shall be securely wrapped with 

strong paper and tied with twine. Single bottles of 

liquid holding 4 ounces or less may also be packed as 

prescribed in the following paragraphs (b) and (c) : 

?i 



(b) When in glass bottles holding more than 4 ounces, Quantity that 
the total quantity sent in one parcel shall not exceed 16 may be sent. 
ounces liquid measure. The bottle must be very strong 

and must be inclosed in a block or tube of metal, wood, 
papier-mache or similar material ; and there must be 
provided between the bottle and the block or tube a 
cushion of cotton, felt, or other absorbent. The block 
or tube, if of wood or papier-mache, must be at least 
one-eighth of an inch thick for bottles holding 8 ounces 
or less, and at least three-sixteenths of an inch thick for 
bottles holding more than 8 ounces. The block or tube 
must be rendered watertight by an application on the 
inside of paraffin or other suitable substance and must 
be closed by a screw top cover with sufficient screw now they must 
threads to require at least one and one-half complete be put ni) ' 
turns before it will come off. The cover must be pro- 
vided with a washer, so that no liquid could ascape if 
the bottle should be broken. Any number of bottles 
separately packed as herein prescribed may be included 
in a single package if the limit of weight and size for 
fourth class matter be not exceeded. 

(c) Bottles containing liquid may also be packed in other way? of 
strong and tight receptacles of wood, metal or water- P ackin s. 
proof corrugated pasteboard. Space must be left all 

all around the bottle, which must be filled with bran, 
sawdust, or other absorbent material in sufficient quan- 
tity to absorb all the liquid if the bottle should get 
broken. 

(d) When in a metal container, the weight limit for Metai cou- 
the parcel is the same as for other fourth class matter. tamer - 
The container must be securely sealed and inclosed in 

a strong box. 

(e) When in parcels weighing more than 20 pounds, Liquids in 
mailable liquids in securely sealed glass bottles or metal ' t a ef. er c,uactl " 
cans will be accepted for mailing to offices in the first 

and second zones when packed in strong boxes and 
surrounded with sawdust or other suitable substances 
to protect the contents from breakage. All such pack- 
ages to be marked "FRAGILE— THIS SIDE UP," or 
with similar inscriptions, and to be transported outside 
of mail bags. 

All packages containing liquid must be marked "FRA- 
GILE." 

Articles easily broken must be securely wrapped for Wra ppi ng tn- 
safe transmission. Among such articles are amber, g» le articles, 
cakes, candies, chalk, china, combs, clocks, delicate me- 
chanisms, fans, flowers, fountain pens, hats, instruments 
of precision, millinery, musical instruments, pipes, plas- 
ter-of-paris articles, plumes, pottery, porcelain, phono- 

—25— 



graphs and phonograph records, test tubes, typewriters, 
watches, wax articles, etc. 

Must be se- Glass, crockery, fragile toys, and other fragile articles 

cureiy packed. must k e so p ac ked as to prevent the escape of particles 
or pieces from the packages if broken in transit. 

Cigars should be packed in a manner to prevent 
damage by shock or jar. 
How to wrap Maps, drawings, paintings, etc., must be suitably pro- 
wls 8 ' et!* aw tected with stout material to prevent damage. When 
not flat, they should be rolled around a stout stick and 
carefully wrapped or inclosed in a strong pasteboard 
tube. 

All such articles should be marked "FRAGILE." 
Eggs will be accepted for local delivery when so 
packed in a basket or other container as to prevent 
damage to other mail. 
How to pa.k Eggs will be accepted for mailing regardless of dis- 
tance, when each egg is separately wrapped and sur- 
rounded with excelsior, cotton, or other suitable ma- 
terial and packed in a strong container made of double- 
faced corrugated pasteboard, metal, wood, or other suit- 
able material, and wrapped so that nothing can escape 
from the package. All such parcels should be labeled 
"EGGS." 
How to mark Eggs in parcels weighing more than 20 pounds will 

be accepted for mailing to offices in the first and second 
zones when packed in crates, boxes, baskets, or other 
containers having tight bottoms to prevent the escape 
of anything from the packages and so constructed as 
properly to protect the contents ; such packages to be 
marked "EGGS— THIS SIDE UP," and to be transport- 
ed outside of mail bags. 
how to ftcu.i Parcels containing perishable articles shall be mark- 
ticies. 8 ed "PERISHABLE." It is advisable that such parcels 

be sent as special-delivery matter by affixing stamps for 
the special delivery fee in addition to the regular post- 
age, thus expediting their delivery. Articles likely to 
spoil within the time reasonably required for transpor- 
tation and delivery shall not be accepted for mailing. 
how to pack Butter, lard, and perishable articles, such as fish, fresh 

perishable ar- . . r , ........ , 

tides. meats, dressed fowls, vegetables, fruits, berries and arti- 

cles of a similar nature which decay quickly, when so 
packed or wrapped as to prevent damage to other mail, 
will be accepted for local delivery, either at the office 
of mailing or on any rural route starting therefrom. 
When inclosed in an inner cover and a strong outer 
cover of wood, metal, heavy corrugated pasteboard, or 
other suitable material, and wrapped so that nothing 
—26— 



can escape from the package, they will be accepted for 
mailing to all offices to which in the ordinary course of 
mail they can be sent without spoiling. 

Butter, dressed fowls, vegetables, fruits, and other Above twenty 
perishable articles in parcels weighing more than 20 ^ first'^two 
pounds will be accepted for mailing to offices in the zones - 
first and second zones when suitably wrapped or en- 
closed and packed in crates, boxes, or other suitable con- 
tainers having tight bottoms to prevent the escape of 
any thing from the package, and so protected as to prop- 
erly protect the contents ; all such parcels to be trans- 
ported outside of mail bags. 

Vegetables and fruits which do not decay quickly vegetables 
will be accepted for mailing to any zone if packed so and fruits - 
as to prevent damage to other mail. 

Forwarding and Return. — A new prepayment of post- Fee for for- 
age at the rate applicable between the forwarding office p a a e r kagf. a 
and the one to which fourth class matter is to be for- 
warded, must be made by the addressee or by someone 
for him each time it is forwarded. A new prepayment 
must likewise be made before undeliverable fourth-class 
matter may be returned to the sender. 

Requests for further information should be addressed wnere to get 
as follows : Third Assistant Postmaster General, Divis- nation. mf ° r " 
ion of Classification, relative to the classification and ad- 
missibility of matter as parcel post mail, rates of postage, 
limit of weight and size, permissible enclosures and ad- 
ditions, attaching communications to the parcel, etc., 
and for additional copies of this circular. 

To Third Assistant Postmaster General, Division of 
Registered Mails, relative t.o the insurance and "C. O. D." 
features. 

To Second Assistant Postmaster General, Division 
of Railway Mail Service, relative to the admissibility to 
the mails and wrapping of matter which, from its form 
or character, would be liable to injure the mails or the 
person of postal employes. 



—27— 



INDEX. 

Page 

Advertising in newspapers 3 

Advertisement for newspaper 3 

Attractive letter heads 4 

Accounts, how to collect 9 

Acknowledgment for orders 4, 10 

Attached communications 15 

Alaska, rates of postage 19 

Apples 11 

Business pointers 3 

Boxes or containers 8, 14 

Box material 8 

Boxes, used repeatedly 9 

Box manufacturers, list of 11-12 

Bills, may go with packages 10, 15, 20 

Butter 11, 13, 26, 27 

Bees 11 

Berries 11, 26 

Buds ^_ 

Bottles, containing liquids 25 

Chickens 6 

Cost of insurance 7-8 

Customers, how to secure 3 

Collection of accounts 9 

Coin retainers 10 

Copy your letters 10 

Celery 

Cottage cheese 

Cabbage 1 1 

Collect on delivery 16, 22-23 

Complete postal regulations 16-27 

Canal zone, rate of postage 19 

Canada 19 

Cuba 19 

Communications attached to parcels 20 

Certificate of inspection for meats 21 

Cuttings 22 

Canes 23 

Cut flowers 24 

Candies 24 

Cakes, chalk, china, combs, clocks 25 

Cigars, how to pack 26 

Dairymen 8 

—28— 



Page 

Dressed fowls 11. 13,26, 27 

Directions for shipping 13-16 

Dimensions of packages 14, 20 

Description of enclosed matter 15 

Dead bodies of wild animals or birds 21 

Envelopes, printed 4 

Envelope corner card, form for 4 

Enclosures, permissible 15 

Enclosures, invoice, etc 15, 20 

Examination of packages 21, 23 

Extent of parcel post 16 

Eggs, how wrapped 6, 14 

How shipped 8-9, 26 

Fully protected 9 

Shipped long distances 9, 26 

For local delivery 14, 26 

Boxes or containers, how made 8 

Forms for letters 3,4,6,7 

Form for letter heads 4 

For envelope corner card 4 

For acknowledgement 4, 10 

For letter soliciting business 6 

For postal card 7 

Follow-ups, advantage of 7 

Family may help 5 

Fruit grower 8 

Fruits 11, 13, 26, 27 

Fruit pits 22 

Fowls, how to wrap 10 

Food products 21 

Fourth-class matter, rates, classification, etc 16-27 

Furs 21 

Fees for C. O. D. service 22 

Fragile, "this side up" 25 

Fragile articles, how to pack 26 

Fans, flowers, fountain pens 25 

Fish, fresh meats, etc 26 

Forwarding and returning 27 

Further information, where to get it 27 

Garden truck 11 

Golf sticks 23 

Grain 11 

Grafts 22 

Getting acquainted 5 

How to secure customers 3 

How to prepare lists of names 5 

How to address parcels 14 

How to pack perishable articles • 26 

—29— 



Page 

Harmless medical preparations 21 

Harmful articles 24 

Hams 11 

Honey 11 

Hides or pelts 24 

Hats 23, 25 

Hawaii rate of postage 19 

Insurance 7, 8, 16 

Insurance fees and conditions 22 

Inscriptions 15, 20 

Inspections necessary 21, 22 

Invoices 15, 20 

Improperly wrapped parcels 23 

Indemnity for lost insured articles 22 

Indemnity, limit of 23 

Limit of weight 19 

Limit of size 20 

Letters, forms of 3, 4, 6, 7 

Letters and postal cards 6 

Letter heads, printed . 3 

Letter heads, attractive 4 

Letters, multigraphed 6 

List of box manufacturers 11, 12 

Lists for stock-growers, nurserymen and poultrymen 7 

Liquids, admissible, conditions, etc 24-25 

Liquids in large quantities 25 

Lard 26 

Library books 21 

Multigraphed letters 6 

Mercantile insurance, cost of 8 

Manufacturers of boxes 11-12 

Mince meat 11 

Meats 11,21 

Meat, food-products 21 

Millinery 25 

Musical instruments 25 

Maps, how to pack 26 

Mexico 19 

Medical preparations 21-24 

Newspaper advertising 3 

Nursery stock 1 1, 22 

Nurserymen, lists for 7 

Nails and screws, use of 13, 23 

Name and address of sender 20 

Original sealed packages 21 

Parcel post, extent and usefulness of 16 

Pleasing customers 5 

Prices and quality ' 5 

—30— 



Page 

Postal cards and letters 6 

Postal cards, mailing of 7 

Poultryman, list for 7 

Packing, eggs and fowls 10 

Poultry, dressed 11 

Preserves 11 

Pickles 11 

Points of interest to farmers 12 

Postage rates 15, 17, 18 

Perishable articles, how to prepare 13-14, 26 

Parcels weighing more than 20 lbs 14 

Postmaster's approval 14 

Permissible enclosures 15 

Philippine Islands 19 

Public Library books 21 

Proprietary articles of merchandise 21 

Plumage 21 

Plants and plant products 22 

Preparation and wrapping of mail matter 23-27 

Place of mailing 22 

Pastes, salves, etc 23 

Pottery, porcelain, phonographs 26 

Paintings, how to pack 26 

Postal regulations, complete 16-27 

Postage rate table for all zones 18 

Quality and prices of merchandise 5 

Queen bees 11 

Return address on envelope 4 

Records, importance of 10 

Rural carrier service 13 

Rates of postage 15, 17, 18 

Rates of postage, local 19 

Republic of Panama, rate of postage 19 

Size of letter paper 6 

Size of packages 14, 20 

Special delivery, cost of 14, 19 

Stamps, where to affix •. . 15 

Screws and nails, use of 13, 23 

Seeds of fruit 11-22 

Squabs 11 

Sealed packages 21 

Soaps 21 

Skins 21 

Shrubs 22 

Seeds and plants 22 

Stove castings 24 

Salves, pastes, etc '. 24 

Size limit, how to measure 14, 20 

—31— 



Page 

Shanghai, rate of postage 19 

Telephone, advantages of 5 

Table of weights, all zones 18 

Tomato plants 11 

Tobacco 21 

Trees 22 

Typewriters 25 

Unmailable articles 21 

Umbrellas 23 

Vegetables 6, 13, 26, 27 

Vines 22 

What may be sent 

Writing allowed in parcels 15 

Wrapping eggs 6 

Wrapping and packing of parcels 13 

Wrapping perishable articles 13 

Watches, wax articles 26 

Weights and postage, all zones 18 

Zones and rates, complete 18 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



002 780 497 4 



Compiled and Issued by 
HAMILTON H. WEST, Rockford. Illinois 

Copyright 1915 



MOW ILLINOIS •TtTIOHMr OU , ROCKfOW, ILLINOIS 



